“I think it is not possible for me to guarantee that 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time going on this website will have a perfectly seamless, smooth experience. We're going to have to continue to improve it even after November 30th, December 1st.”

As the president's apology was being aired in an exclusive interview with NBC News on Tuesday, talk was in the air of new legislation in Congress and unspecified steps the president might take on his own.

Scores of cheerful helpers are waiting by phones to help anyone who feels adrift in the CoverOregon process – many offering same-day appointments and most ready to help all those who need it whether or not they may fall within that organization's traditional community.